Spring Break Portugal – where do I even start?! I can honestly say it was the best holiday I have been on in a very long time! The holiday exceeded my expectations, and as my first party/parent-free holiday, it was a great place to start! Let’s go right from the start…
I found out about Spring Break Portugal from one of the DJs who was due to be performing out there. As soon as I heard what it was all about I began researching. It took my interest straight away because of the variety of parties available as well as the day activities and places to visit. The booking system was so easy and simple, which was necessary for someone like me. I am only 18 years old and it was my first holiday without any of my parents, so having a booking method that was easy to navigate made it feel less stressful and it was easier than I had suspected.
One of the things that I was most sceptical about was meeting new people because in my mind I had the preconception that it was going to be people mostly aged 21-25. But my mind was easily changed! When I arrived, I was meeting people of all ages – as young as me and older too! So I never felt out of place. Also, when talking and greeting each other, age was never a concern. For the week, we were all the same age and the positive vibes was of more importance.
In addition to meeting people on the day, there was also the ‘WhatsApp Group Chat’ that we joined before. The group chat meant that we got to know everyone and banter before we got out to Portugal. In my opinion, this is one of the most helpful things and it made everything feel less overwhelmingly brand new. When me and my friends arrived, we knew people already and everyone was letting each other know they had landed safely. It was great, everyone was sending videos and selfies so that we could familiarise each others faces. Throughout the whole holiday the chat was great for communicating important message as well as deciding on meeting points for the day activities.
In general, I found that the communication from the organisers really helpful and they were in touch through email too. This made everything seem sorted and smooth.
For example, when we arrived at the airport and were transferred to our hotel in Albfueira, we were told via the Group Chat to go to Solo Bar on the Oura strip. Solo Bar was like our base where you could always find someone. There we met reps straight away, where we registered, got our wristbands and our Spring Break Portugal t-shirts.
In terms of day-time activities, this added to the whole experience and bonding opportunities. I went go-karting which was lots of fun and a great way to bond outside of the party environment. It was optional to do the day activities, so you didn’t have to go if you didn’t want to and didn’t lose any money. There were also options like going to a Water Park too.
To be honest, I don’t feel like I lost any money at all. Yes, most of it went on my drinks but at no point did I think “Why did I just pay for that?”
My hotel was a 10-minute walk from the strip which was convenient for us and the beach (Praia Da Oura) was at the end of the strip, so everything was in walking distance including all restaurants like McDonalds, KFC (We all love a bit of hangover food) as well as traditional breakfast places, kebab houses and other takeaways. I would say my hotel (Paraiso De Albufeira) was decent for what we paid, except the pool being closed for repair! The service isn’t one which I would recommend, so I know that I’m going stay at a better hotel next year.
Anyway, onto the important bit – THE PARTIES!
Night #1 – Solo Bar
This is what I called the ‘Get-To-Know’ everyone kind of night. We familiarised ourselves with each other and started off the week on a high.
Night #2 – Bar Crawl
The bar crawl started to heat up some tension but of course – good tension. It was red t-shirts vs green t-shirts starting in different bars to see who could party the hardest, and then we all joined each other in one big club at the end. Of course, my team – RED TEAM – won, for partying the hardest because we were obviously the better party animals. Again, you got to meet even more people and party even harder together.
Night #3 – All White Party
The all white Party – everyone went classy this night! This was my favourite night – it was popping off! The vibes, the energy – it was all there!
Night #4 & #5 – Full Moon & Ultimate Leaving Party
These days were supposed to be evening events with a Boat Party one night and a Beach Party the other, but the weather cancelled those plans. I can say I was a little upset, but I didn’t need to worry too much because the organisers were on the job! They replaced those two events with free entry to night clubs and a whole load more partying which I couldn’t complain about at all! The DJs shelled it down one more time for us and we continued to live our best lives.
By the end of the week I was mash up like WOI! My feet were burning HARD! I had partied HARD, but I tell you what – I enjoyed every single moment and wouldn’t change it for the world. On the last day, while we waited for our flight, I was sitting there saying ‘I don’t want to leave’. I almost didn’t, when our aiport transfer didn’t turn up! But you know, the organisers were with us within 5 minutes to help us out and got the problem solved.
As soon as I got home I just wanted to go back again! It was an experience and a half, and I would recommend it to anyone and FOR SURE I will be going back again in 2019.
— Nadine Scarlet, 18, Luton, UK
